09 December 2010

WATCH: ATL Mayor Kasim Reed Apologizes for Raid on Gay Bar

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed apologized for the botched September 2009 raid of the Atlanta Eagle, which included forcing more than 60 patrons to be searched and detained, and to lie face-down on the floor during the raid. The police spawned a $1 million legal settlement announced this week that also will include sweeping police reforms.

Reed, who was not mayor at the time, said the Atlanta police officers "engaged in inappropriate conduct." "What occurred that evening should not have happened and should not happen again," said the mayor. "As mayor of Atlanta, I feel pain for anyone mistreated in our city and apologize to each plaintiff in the [case]."

No search warrant was served on the premises and no charges were filed against any of the 62 bar patrons forced to lie down on the bar floor during the raid. The GA Voice reports:

"In the settlement agreement finalized, the city of Atlanta agreed to sweeping changes in how the police department conducts raids and investigations, but did not apologize. Reed delivered the apology himself in a press conference at City Hall, flanked by Police Chief George Turner and the police department's two LGBT liaison officers. Neither Reed nor Turner held their posts when the raid took place. At the time, the police department had one LGBT liaison officer, who was not even told about the raid until she was contacted by media seeking comment on it. The APD now has two LGBT liaison officers, fulfilling a mayoral campaign promise from Reed, as well as a citizen LGBT Advisory Board."